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Efficient unloading ideas

The general trauma of getting your move done is somewhat complete as you look at all the boxes and furniture strewn around your new residence. Even your blood pressure levels may be starting to come down a bit. But, donвЂ™t let them get all the way back to normal just yet. Getting everything unpacked, to the point where you can actually live and move around, still needs to be accomplished. Consider these thoughts as you go about unpacking and placing your belongings, preparing for completing your interstate moving

Be organized right from the start

When the packing was being done it may not have appeared as if there were a whole lot of materials about. Boxes were neatly folded and placed and packing paper was flat and in one pile. Now that the move is complete and boxes are openedвЂ¦ SUPRIZE! Packing paper is everywhere and empty boxes are just getting in the way. Start your unpacking in as orderly a fashion as is realistic. Trash bag the paper immediately (making sure nothing is caught in it) and break down the boxes. When the pile is high enough get it out of the house to a proper out-of-the-way location. Walking without stepping over boxes and through wrinkled paper is annoying so do not add to a stressful situation by having a messy unpacking zone.

Keeping the children busy and out-of-the-way

Having children about while you unpack can be a hindrance and a help all at the same time. You do not want them badgering you with questions or needs while you unpack, but at the same time they do have two hands that can be put to use. Try to get them involved by putting them to work in their own space. Let them know that this space is where they will be living. If possible, get a few boxes of toys or clothes into their room so they can take part in the unpacking process. Hopefully, this will keep them busy and out of your way as you tackle the larger unpacking issues. Sure, you may end up redoing their space later, but that is a small price to pay for getting them out of your way while youвЂ™re busy.

Easy access to what you need first

If you have been staying somewhat on top of the moving process the items that you will need almost immediately have found their way to the proper location and are stacked on top (unlikely, but possible.) Start by unpacking these boxes first so their contents can be put to use quickly. Areas for these boxes may include the bathroom, a few items for the bedroom (including setting up the bed) and anything sitting on the kitchen table so you have a base of operations and a place to eat.

Heavy items first

As the unpacking day moves along the initial rush of unpacking motivation will start to disappear. Because of this, make sure that you take advantage of rested backs and strong bodies first thing. Washers and dryers, sofa beds and refrigerators should be placed as close to their final resting place as possible and hooked up. You can always move around the stray box that didnвЂ™t make it to its proper place but a sofa bed is another thing. Also remember that you have movers about that you are paying. If you need something heavy moved three inches to the left tell the foreman and get it done. YouвЂ™re the one paying (courtesy tip: you may be paying the movers but they do not report to you. Make sure to follow the chain of command and only ask the foreman for somebody to help. This is a common courtesy.)

Make a floor plan

As you take advantage of the muscle power you have assembled you may as well get the furniture placed as close to where you would like it the first time. Take a look at the space and have a fairly good idea of where items will be going before boxes start appearing all over the place.

Keeping the natives happy and fed

If you have rounded up family and friends to help with the unpacking chores make sure that you have laid in a good supply of fast food to keep them going. When meal time comes try to plan a meal that is quick, easy, paper plate and plastic utensil friendly and light/low sugar. The last thing you want to do is offer food that will put the family/friends into a food coma after the meal. Remember that these folks still have more unpacking to do after the meal. Also, save the alcohol for the very end of the day. This usually signifies that the hard part of the day is over. Work your helpers to a point you feel comfortable with before you give the reward.

Give yourself a break

Most people agree that it will take months for you to complete the unpacking process fully. Give yourself a break through the initial unpacking day. Work on a few boxes in one room and move to another room for the next set. This will keep you from looking at a refrigerator for several hours at a time.